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The weather in Colombia in March varies depending on where you are. The Andean highlands stay mild and dry, making it a good time to visit Bogotá or Medellín. Coastal areas like Cartagena are hot and sunny, while the Amazon and Pacific regions stay wet and humid. Since it’s still shoulder season, you’ll find fewer crowds at beaches, cities, and national parks. Whether you're heading to coffee farms, coral reefs, or jungle lodges, March gives you a wide range of experiences in manageable conditions.
The weather in Colombia in March stays mostly dry across the country, especially in the Andes and along the Caribbean coast. Rain is minimal, averaging between 50 and 70 mm depending on the region, and usually comes as a quick afternoon shower in higher elevations. Beach towns like Cartagena stay sunny, while the Amazon remains hot and humid with a bit more rain.
It’s high season, so expect busy cities and higher prices, but you’ll get the best weather for heading outdoors. The coffee-growing regions are especially nice now, green and clear without the heavier rains. The weather in Colombia in March is ideal for moving between cities, mountains, and beaches with minimal weather-related hassle. This can be a great time to plan your Colombia itinerary.
Average daily temperatures in March
The weather in Colombia in March depends more on elevation than time of year. Bogotá, sitting high at 8,600 feet, stays steady with highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows near 44°F (7°C). Cartagena on the coast is much warmer, averaging 88°F (31°C) during the day and 77°F (25°C) at night. Medellín holds to its nickname, with spring-like highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). See our guide to how many days do you need in Medellin.
This is part of Colombia’s dry season, so rain is minimal and skies are mostly clear. The Caribbean Sea is a warm 81°F (27°C), perfect for swimming. The Pacific coast is a touch cooler at 79°F (26°C). Since Colombia sits near the equator, daylight stays steady at around 12 hours. March is a great time to go, with stable temperatures and good conditions across the board.
Falling after the December-February peak season and before the full pelt of the rainy season, shoulder-season March offers a satisfying balance between pleasant weather conditions and fewer tourists.
For example, March is still the dry season in the Andean region. This means you can go full culture vulture in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, walk on the wilder side in the Andes, and drink in sublime scenery and culture at coffee plantations (alongside drinking down world-class coffee, of course).
Looking to bag yourself some serious beach action for a better price and with more space? Caribbean coastal areas like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are warm and sunny at this time of year, with moderate rainfall and moderate tourist numbers, too.
However, it's worth noting that the Amazon region and parts of the Pacific coast experience heavier rainfall during this time, which could affect your plans.
That’s not to say you should rule out these regions, though—just come prepared with the right clothing and a flexible approach to your itinerary. For many people, this is still one of the best times to visit Colombia.
Sitting in a shoulder season, March sees moderate levels of tourist visitors compared with the December-February high season. This comes as a result of the rain beginning to ramp up in some regions and the fact that holiday season festivals and events are over.
However, since March is considered part of the dry season in many regions, it’s still a pretty popular time for travelers who are looking to escape colder climates.
While not as high as in the peak season, the cost of accommodation, flights, and tours in popular destinations may be slightly elevated compared with the April to June and September to November low seasons.
That said, book early, and you might still get to grab a good deal. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Colombia.
March in Cartagena means blue skies and a breeze coming in off the sea. The old city feels especially vibrant, with cafés, plazas, and rooftop bars all full of energy. You can walk the historic walls without overheating, and boats out to the Rosario Islands run regularly. The International Film Festival takes place in March, adding even more culture to the mix. Sunsets from the ramparts are hard to beat. For more advice, see our Colombia travel tips.
Medellín
The weather in Medellín barely changes, but March feels extra alive. Flower farms outside the city start blooming in preparation for the big August festival, and the streets feel more relaxed than during peak holidays. You can ride the cable cars into the hills, explore local markets, and see how street art and innovation have shaped places like Comuna 13. Hikes around Arví Park are especially nice this time of year, and the city’s outdoor dining scene is in full swing.
Coffee Triangle
This is harvest season in the coffee region, so you’ll see the whole process up close. Towns like Salento and Filandia are colorful and laid-back, and the nearby Cocora Valley is perfect for hikes among the towering wax palms. Coffee farms are busy with activity, and many offer hands-on tours. The weather makes it easy to spend all day outside, and the landscape is as green as it gets. March is one of the best times to visit if you want a real feel for the region.
The Lost City trek is best in March. River crossings are easier, paths are less muddy, and skies tend to stay clearer. You’ll spend four to six days hiking through jungle, crossing rivers, and sleeping in open-air camps. Along the way, Indigenous Wiwa and Kogi guides share stories that add depth to the trail. The ruins themselves are older than Machu Picchu, spread across terraces high in the mountains. It’s tough, but unforgettable. This isn't something you'll want to do if you're in Colombia with kids.
Explore Tayrona National Park
March is a sweet spot for visiting Tayrona. Trails are dry, crowds are manageable, and the beaches look especially inviting under blue skies. You can hike between jungle-backed bays, swim in clear water, and even snorkel near coral reefs. Look out for monkeys in the trees and sea turtles offshore. Some beaches have basic campsites, and falling asleep to the sound of waves is hard to beat. There are some of the best beaches in Colombia.
Catch Barranquilla’s Carnival
Even after the main Carnival ends in February, Barranquilla keeps the energy going. You can visit museums packed with costumes and masks, try a dance class, or eat your way through the city’s food stalls. March is cooler than the peak heat months, so it’s a good time to walk the riverfront and explore new arts districts. The party might be over, but the spirit sticks around.
Our Colombia itineraries are built to help you cover ground without feeling rushed. They give you a clear route through the country while leaving room to slow down, add side trips, or stay longer in places you enjoy. Colombia rewards a bit of planning, especially with internal flights, but flexibility is easy once you’re there.
10 days in Colombia itinerary: Ten days is enough for a strong introduction. Most trips focus on Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with time for historic centers, food scenes, and a taste of Caribbean culture. It’s fast-paced but gives you a good sense of the country’s diversity.
2 weeks in Colombia itinerary: Two weeks lets you expand beyond the main cities. Add the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, or Salento for nature and small-town stops. This version balances cities with landscapes and gives you more downtime between travel days.
3 weeks in Colombia itinerary: Three weeks allows for a deeper, slower journey. Along with the highlights, you can include places like the Pacific coast, the Amazon, or extended time in the Andes. It’s ideal if you want to explore different regions without constantly moving on.
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
